Hard agree. There’s sci-fi/fantasy settings and then there’s sci-fi/fantasy writing. Star wars is a fantasy story that takes place in a sci-fi setting, if you’re so inclined. But it’s hard fantasy in my books.
If your book is focused on adventure and characters it’s probably fantasy, if your book is focused on humanity or other grander themes it’s probably sci-fi. Focusing on whether there is magic or elves or whatever is completely missing the point in my opinion.
The whole debate is childish. If you refuse to read a book because there is X race or X technology or whatever then you really need to change your priorities.
It’s like when people say “I don’t watch cartoons”. Fuck off!!